What Does The Check Engine Light Mean And What Should You Do About It?

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Your check engine light came on, now what? Why's it on, can the car be driven, what's it mean? In this video, we answer all those questions and more regarding the check engine light.
Thanks for watching!

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I think a scanner tool should be built into the car

erwinallen

I think the best explanation I have ever heard is if it is a red light or a flashing light, then you shouldn't drive the vehicle (i.e. red brake light, flashing yellow check engine light, etc.). If it is a yellow light, then it is a warning light, which means you should have it checked out, but you should still be able to drive it home or to a shop.

steveo

That check engine light is the greatest salesman that all auto parts stores have. The dealership starts @ $100 and up to read the DTC's while auto parts stores will read the codes for free. "Oh it looks like you need a gas cap or the machine says you need an O2 sensor. And so it goes. The DTC's give you a starting point to diagnose. How YOU read or diagnose the codes can be the difference between a $10 repair or $1000 repair. This is a great video. Thanks for taking the time to post it. 👍

ZombieDaveAZ

Great subject and expertly explained. I'm glad you hit on the "flashing MIL light" being serious. That's important for drivers to know about.

wyattoneable

Great to know. My old Citroën had a check engine light, but instead of flickering, it would turn on a red light with "stop" written on it. That light was not only replacing the flickering check engine light, but also a reduction in pressure in the hydropneumatic suspension, brake failiure in one circuit, low oil pressure, severe overheating of the engine, etc. "Stop" meant "Stop" and the check engine light meant "check engine soon". I wish other manufacturers would take this as an idea.

ronaldderooij

Thanks Mike. I wish more drivers would watch and listen to this video! When a vehicle is towed in to the shop. Why? MIL light came on, then flashed. Driver kept pushing down more on the throttle.
So, instead of bringing the vehicle in when the light came on, so the people in the van pool could get another vehicle while this one was being repaired, this one had to be towed in, riders were late to work and I found the cat melted down and the engine couldn't breathe! It was a misfire due to a loose spark plug wire! Office workers!

mikechiodetti

Thanks, Mike! I had this problem late last year in my 2014 Jeep and the user's manual (printed about a decade ago) advised me not to worry if it went off after a few driving cycles. A month or so ago, the MIL started to intermittently light up again and I downloaded the latest digital user's manual, which advised me to get it checked out! The updated user manual provided very different answers. Anyway, I had it diagnosed the other day and the oxygen sensor and a brake sensor will be replaced when the parts arrive. Your video provides reassuring advice. Kudos to you!

amateurmakingmistakes

Thank you.
Good to know what that light is for. Taking car to garage tomorrow.

lyndapussell

Great public service video Mike. Should be playing on a loop in repair shop waiting rooms.

mikeadams

Thank you for this info. May God bless you for sharing most important info. New driver here.

leeiloilocity

Thanks Mike.. I called my friend and he told me to ignore. Your video has helped me a lot. I'm calling the mechanic right away.

Thanks a lot

nattykinggh